Fluid Type Specifications

CLASSIFICATION OF LUBRICANTS
Oils, lubricants, and greases are classified and graded according to standards recommended by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), American Petroleum Institute (API) and National Lubricating Greases Institute (NLGI).

ENGINE OIL
The SAE grade number indicates the viscosity of engine oils. Engines oils are identified by a dual number, for example, SAE 15W40, which indicates a multi-viscosity oil.

GEAR LUBRICANTS
The SAE grade number also indicates the viscosity of Multipurpose Gear Lubricants. The API classification system defines gear lubricants in terms of usage such as API GLA API GL-5 etc.

LUBRICANTS/GREASES
Semisolid lubricants bear the NLGI designation and are further classified as grades 0, 1, 2, 3 etc.